Remarkable gardens
Step into the parks and gardens of La Manche
Here, rich soil and a favourable climate provide ideal conditions for plants to thrive. Whether you prefer intimate or sensory gardens, formal French or informal English-style designs, tropical plants or native species, there are a number of gorgeous green havens to explore throughout La Manche. Find out more!
the Botanical garden of Vauville
From the beach in Vauville, it’s hard to believe there are several hectares of exotic gardens just a hop away.
The journey begins as you enter the Botanical garden of Vauville. Stroll through the Chinese palm grove and admire the southern species, Mediterranean garden and aquatic flowers. As you go through the different areas, you’ll travel from country to country. A festival of colours and fragrances, the garden reveals different treasures over the course of the seasons.
The Plant Garden of Coutances
The Jardin des PlantesEnjoy a breath of fresh air in the centre of Coutances! Head to the Plant Garden with its rare trees, pretty flower beds and shady copses for some peace and quiet. Stroll around and enjoy the mixture of French, English and Italian styles for a botanical tour of Europe! Different events are held in the garden throughout the year. In summer, the Plant Garden of Coutances is the setting for the Jazz sous les Pommiers festival, a must for visitors.
Christian Dior garden
In 1906, Christian Dior’s parents bought the Villa Les Rhumbs, which is now the Dior Museum. In 1925, Christian Dior decided to install a pergola with a reflecting pool, to which a rose garden was added according to the wishes of his mother, Madeleine Dior. The rose garden was restored and extended in 2002, and is an unmissable part of this romantic garden overlooking this sea. In summer, stop for break and a treat at the tearoom, in the middle of the flower gardens.
Tatihou Gardens
Jardins de TatihouCast off and head to Tatihou Island to explore its themed gardens teeming with biodiversity! Enjoy the sea breeze and salt spray on this unique botanical escapade. Stroll around the island’s three successive gardens, including the maritime garden, with lots of different species stretching over three hectares in the shelter of the Tatihou lazaretto.
Jacques Prévert tribute garden
A stone’s throw from the unmissable Port Racine, enter the bucolic world of Jacques Prévert, with this romantic garden created as a tribute to the poet. Nestled near Saint-Germain-des-Vaux, you’ll find an intimate garden where groves of trees, hydrangeas and aquatic plants create a poetic atmosphere. As you stroll along the paths, you can enjoy some of the texts and poems written by Prévert.
Château de Nacqueville Park
Prepare for a magical journey in the park of the Château de Nacqueville in La Hague. Enjoy this pretty English style park with its wonderful views of the sea. As you stroll around the gardens, admire the magnificent hydrangeas and rhododendrons. The palette of natural colours contrasts with the stone façade of the Château de Nacqueville, one of the most beautiful manor houses in La Manche.
Château des Ravalet PARK
Enjoy a walk in the 18 hectares of the superb park at Château des Ravalet, recreated by Viscount René de Tocqueville in 1872. Explore the English and French gardens as you move from one ambiance to another and discover exotic trees, rockeries and water features. At the heart of the park, you’ll find the 19th century rotunda glasshouse, one of the few that exist in Normandy.
Jardin d’Elle
The Jardin d’Elle is a celebration of botanical creativity that’s well worth a visit if you’re near Saint-Lô. With more than 2 500 plant species blooming in its themed gardens, it takes you on an inspiring journey. Also a listed Bird refuge, the Jardin d’Elle is a haven of peace and tranquillity.
The Clos des Pieds nus
Fancy trying an original nature walk? Take off your shoes and enter the sensory garden in the heart of the Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin Regional Nature Park. The Clos des Pieds Nus is a 1.5 km barefoot trail specially designed so you can enjoy the sensations as you walk across different materials, including sand, straw and pebbles. Treat your toes!
Emmanuel Liais Park
A listed Jardin Remarquable (Exceptional garden) and Eco Jardin (Eco-garden), Emmanuel Liais Park is a surprising botanical haven in the heart of Cherbourg. You can travel from one continent to another as you follow the paths, admiring the different exotic species that fill the park. From the tropical forest, step into the cactus desert, before entering the greenhouse. There are lots of unexpected areas for you to explore.
Plant Garden of Avranches
Jardin des PlantesIf your trip to La Manche takes you to Avranches, don’t miss the botanical garden with its 12 different areas. Camellias, maples, rhododendrons, and much more: each garden has its own atmosphere, with unique colours and fragrances. What makes this haven of greenery so special is its fantastic view of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. From the promontory, let your eyes travel all the way to the sea!
Visit the private gardens
of La Manche
La Manche also has lots of private gardens that you can explore with the “Cotentin Côté Jardins” association, which has a list of individual gardens in the area. These plant and horticulture enthusiasts take pleasure in opening their gardens to visitors.
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Tearooms in the Manche: our top picks
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La Manche live
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The château de Pirou : a medieval gem
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The must-see castles of La Manche
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The must-see abbeys
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Visiting the Christian Dior Museum
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What to do as a family?
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Visiting Mont Saint-Michel
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Travelling with your dog
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What to do in Sainte-Mère-Église
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What to do in Coutances
